On April 28, 2023, at the request of Commissioner Meiner, the City Commission referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) a discussion regarding the police department’s implementation of the latest crime prevention technology, such as the real-time crime center, security cameras, rapid DNA testing and drone utilization.

By its very nature, technology is constantly evolving, and the Police Department’s commitment is to continuously look towards new technology to improve efficiencies in how they police, ultimately enhancing our community’s public safety. Below is an overview of the Department’s current implementation. Police will be prepared to discuss further during the PSNQLC meeting.

Real-Time Information Center (RTIC)

• The final design for the 4th-floor wing of the G.O. Bond station renovation project, which includes the RTIC, has been completed and is in the process of getting permitted so that construction can begin, starting with the RTIC.
• A concept of operations plan has been developed and is currently being reviewed by the Chief’s office for operational implementation once the RTIC is up and running.
• Continue to work with IT to identify, acquire, and implement the software and platforms needed to run the RTIC effectively. A team from PD/IT has been conducting site visits to real-time crime and information centers in Florida and Georgia to learn which setup works best for our community/environment.
• A PD representative has recently joined the National Real Time Crime Center Association (NRTCCA) to better network with other agencies for best implementation and operation practices.

Drone Utilization Summary

•  September 2022 – MBPD purchased (7) State of Florida-compliant drones
• January 2023 – 11 Police Officers / 1 Lieutenant (THI) completed an “In-House Training” certification course for the Remote Pilots
• January 2023 – 11 Police Officers / 1 Lieutenant (THI) successfully passed the Federal Aviation Administration – Part 107 – Remote Pilot Certificate Exam (Required Every two years)
• To date, there have been a total of (15) instances where a sUAS has been deployed. Below are the deployment incident types:

• Shooting/Homicide Scene Mapping (x2)

• Suspicious Death (Deceased in Government Cut)
• Swatting Call
• Stolen Vehicle Bailout Perimeter
• Homeless Outreach Program / Federal Vegetation Protection from Homeless Encampments
• Burglary in Progress (Subject Arrested)
• Aggravated Assaults

CCTV Cameras

The Police Department continues working on expanding the CCTV network throughout the city and in city facilities. Our system has over 1,300 camera views and many additional projects coming online. These cameras have proven their value in providing situational awareness to public safety departments and investigators in solving crimes.

Rapid DNA

The Police Department has requested a budget enhancement consideration in the FY23/24 budget process to reimplement the use of rapid DNA technology. In 2017, the MBPD began field testing the ANDE Rapid DNA instrument. Our Police Department was the only police agency in the country permitted to test this instrument. The Department discontinued its use of rapid DNA during the COVID-19 pandemic due to funding constraints. The technology has since evolved and gained greater acceptance by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.